Michael J. Petro

Michael J. Petro serves as Executive Vice President of the Committee for Economic Development.  In this capacity, Mr. Petro is responsible for connecting CED’s policy projects and activities to the business community, government officials and members of the media.

Prior to joining CED, Mr. Petro served as Vice President for the Center for National Policy. For over seven years he was responsible for overseeing the day to day activities of this public policy organization.  He played an instrumental role in directing the organization’s political and communications agenda.

Mr. Petro has had extensive interaction and dealings with government and business leaders of various Asian countries.  He led a congressional staff delegation to Taiwan and Hong Kong and participated in a trip to South Korea led by former Speaker of the House Thomas Foley.  In addition, he has assisted in projects dealing with U.S. policy toward Cambodia and Vietnam.

He has been active in a variety of political activities, including his work on the presidential campaigns of John Glenn and Walter Mondale; serving as National Finance Director for Bob Graham’s 1986 Senate Campaign; and working as Executive Director of the Democratic Business Council.

Mr. Petro studied at Brunel University in England and is a graduate of the State University of New York at Brockport.